A study by McGill University in Canada in collaboration with the National Fisheries Resource Research Institute (NAFIRI), a copy of which this paper has seen, indicates that climate change is taking a toll on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest fresh water lake and chief reservoir of the River Nile.

Research findings and separate accounts by fishermen indicate that the winds are changing directions and cannot be predicted. The sudden and strong winds, the study indicates, is causing boats to capsize.

“Many fishers stated that there are more unusual patterns of wind with more sudden storms arising over the lake, endangering lives, and the directions of the winds were not following the usual patterns,” Dr Elizabeth Nyboer, the lead researcher, said.

“Climate change is having a negative effect on people’s livelihoods. During the drought period, fish catch decreases but at the same time crops in the gardens fail. This decreases their incomes, food security, and overall stability of livelihood,” she added.